Much of the country is looking for ways to save a few pennies at the moment – whether it’s shopping at cheaper outlets, swapping meals out for takeaways or renting a DVD instead of going to the cinema.

Many households have decided to make a long-term commitment to saving money, by downsizing their family vehicle from a 4×4 to a smaller, more fuel efficient motor.

‘Money’s too tight to mention’ sang Simply Red back in 1985; if only they knew that their bestselling hit would become an anthem for the nation more than 20 years later.